The Voice to Parliament vote to go ahead

Australians will vote before the end of this year on whether to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament after legislation to hold the referendum passed the Senate on Monday afternoon. The legislation means the Government will allow Australians to vote on whether to amend the constitution to include the Indigenous Voice to Parliament which would serve as an independent advisory board to the government.

The Voice would be able to make recommendations to the Government but not actually dictate or pass legislation, nor will it deliver any of the services it supports itself.

As The Voice’s inclusion would require amendments to the Australian constitution, it requires a majority vote in a referendum to become official.

Legislation to hold a referendum already passed the Lower House in May, and now that the Senate has also approved the bill, all that remains is for Prime

Minister Anthony Albanese to set a date for Australians to vote.

The referendum is likely to be held in October.

To understand more about The Voice, read the Uluru Statement from the Heart https:// ulurustatement.org/the-statement/

Read about how to vote yes https://togetheryes.com.au/ or https://yes23.com.au/ or why you might vote no https://www. fairaustralia.com.au/ or https:// www.advanceaustralia.org.au/

Last Saturday, a remarkable event in Kiama helped me understand our community's essence.

Movie night at Kiama’s Uniting Church is something special, when a widely diverse group show up with blankets and sustenance, greet friends and make new ones before settling in.

'Written in Chalk,' a movie directed by Richard Attieh and based on Arthur Stace's graffiti was recently shown to the Kiama community. Despite being illiterate, Stace chalked in beautiful copperplate, the word 'Eternity' countless times across Sydney's streets, alleys, doorways and bridges from the 1930s to 1960s.

The Rev Dr Bill Lawton set the stage, taking us on an historical journey, through the era of Stace’s childhood. From extravagant high teas at the QVB to the shallow graves on Devonshire Street and hidden opium dens behind Broadway, we were immersed in a time of stark disparities.

'Written in Chalk' explored Stace's graffiti's profound and sustained impact and its multiple interpretations. It explained the necessity for Sydney Council to copyright the 'Eternity' typeface and its significance in marking the new 21st Century as it was illuminated on the bridge after the fireworks. It discussed the profusion of academic studies, Eternity's role in the 2000 Olympics, and how authors and artists were compelled to incorporate Stace and his work into their art. All of this, as the result of one man, and his eccentric obsessive sharing of one word.

Then, on Sunday morning, I discovered my own 'Eternity', chalked near the doorway of the old CBA building in Manning Street. It caused me to pause. Here I am on this beautiful sunny crisp morning, on my way to meet good people for beachside breakfast and I’m overcome with a rush of good fortune that I am a part of Kiama.

'Over the past few years, residents have had to weather some local challenges causing anger, concern and sadness. As a relatively new resident, I've been moved by the sincerity of the dedication people feel towards its town, especially the time, effort and commitment of people who advocate for all of us.

Similarly, sitting among the open-hearted individuals on Saturday night, I recognised that Kiama transcends its buildings, councils, and tourists. It's a place where people genuinely care for one another and want the best for their town.

In my interpretation of 'eternity,' I see the relentless ebb and flow of change, eroding the old while ushering in the new. Yet, beneath it all, the bedrock of Kiama’s passionate community persists, one that can value its present as much as its history and future

Look out for 'Written in Chalk' as it's recently been picked up by Channel 9 and Stan. www.writteninchalk.com.au

By Tracey Henderson